Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from February, 2025

Approaching Change

Approaching Change Not all changes around us or in life are favourable; some may be necessary, some may present challenges, and some might be beneficial. During times of change, it’s essential to take a moment to pause and closely examine what is changing, why it is changing, and how it will impact us. Taking this time for reflection helps prevent us from blindly resisting or accepting the change without consideration. We should contemplate change before jumping to conclusions since change requires a decision—whether it's changing a car or a career. If you are facing any change, it is time to change your approach towards change. M.L. Narendra Kumar    

Mistake

  Mistake The best way to prevent mistakes is to avoid doing anything in life. Many people aspire to lead a mistake-free life, but there is no life without mistakes. Some people owe their existence to a mistake made by their parents on a cold night. The first reason people hesitate to make mistakes is how they are perceived by those around them. Some individuals do not tolerate mistakes, while others label a person negatively once a mistake has been made. We are all partly responsible for this situation. Unless we change our attitude toward mistakes, we will continue encountering people unwilling to try something new. The second reason people avoid making mistakes is that they become so focused on perfectionism that they delay taking action until they have a perfect idea. Aiming for perfection is commendable, but it should not come at the expense of taking action. The next time you see someone make a mistake, appreciate their efforts and help them correct it. Likewise, when...

Simplifying the work

  Simplifying the work Simplifying tasks is not easy unless you first understand the work that needs to be simplified. Many people desire to streamline their processes, but unfortunately, they often lack the patience to completely grasp what they are doing. This oversight can lead to delays and poor quality. Simplification reduces effort and time; however, a lack of understanding can lead to increased effort and time spent. We should invest time in understanding the task to simplify our work effectively . This includes identifying elements that can be removed, improved, or delegated. It's also essential to ensure we meet our objectives while maintaining quality. Remember, things don't become easy overnight. Instead, they become easier through understanding and continuous improvement of our processes. M.L. Narendra Kumar      

Being different and making a difference

  Being different and making a difference Some people seek to be different from others, while others aspire to make a difference in the lives of those around them. Both perspectives have their merit. Those who wish to stand out typically move away from herd mentality. They strive to carve a niche, often trying new things and developing unique approaches. Over time, they can become role models for others. Conversely, those focused on making a difference in others' lives prioritise the well-being of those around them. They centre their activities on helping others, believing in the importance of nurturing leadership skills within their communities. In today's world, we need unique individuals who aim to positively impact others. Take a moment to reflect on what you would like to pursue in life. M.L. Narendra Kumar      

Self-Development

  Self-Development People often show more interest in learning how to invest their money than investing time in their self-development. While it's true that some may become wealthy, if they neglect personal growth, they may struggle to handle the challenges that life presents. Although accumulating wealth is important, fostering a positive mindset and engaging in continuous improvement is even more crucial. The world is filled with countless resources on self-development, including books, videos, and audio content. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to self-improvement, we can become more confident, positive, and humble in our interactions with others. There's a saying: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Similarly, a few minutes of self-development each day can help keep negativity at bay. M.L. Narendra Kumar      

A Leader's Approach to Handling Failures

  A Leader's Approach to Handling Failures For a leader committed to excellence and the development of people, success does not elate him, nor does failure dishearten him. He understands that he is a warrior on the front lines, responsible for addressing unforeseen challenges in the business, and he prepares accordingly. Instead of blaming others when outcomes fall short of expectations, he involves his team in finding solutions. With this mindset, he does not view such situations as failures. The resilient warrior within him is ready to bounce back, while the silent monk nurtures patience. This combination enables him to remain at the forefront and enhances his ability to tackle challenges. For these leaders, success and failure are merely definitions in a dictionary; they focus on evolving, transforming, and fostering growth within the organisation and its people. Reflect on how you perceive "success" and "failure." Nurture the warrior and the monk w...

Handling Weaknesses

  Handling Weaknesses The more we worry about our weaknesses, the less we use our strengths; as the saying goes -If you don't use it, you lose". What we consider strengths will also find a place in the list of weaknesses. Weaknesses should not worry us; they should turn out to be our goal to overcome them and find a place in the list of our strengths. Just take a piece of paper, list down your weaknesses and identify what is worrying you, come up with ideas of how to overcome the same, put them into your to-do list and start working on it from today. M.L. Narendra Kumar      

Freedom to Choose

  Freedom to Choose We have the freedom to choose our emotions, but sometimes, our negative emotions can enslave us in misery. For example, we can choose between hate and forgiveness, but when we choose hate, we become slaves to irritation, frustration, and vengeance. Imagine these feelings as masters who control us; this is true slavery. We also have the freedom to choose between being problem-centered or solution-centered. However, when we focus on problems, we become slaves to worry, fear, and despair. Picture these emotions as our masters, and you can see how we can become the worst kind of slaves. Ultimately, our choices determine whether we enjoy freedom or become victims of life. M.L. Narendra Kumar      

Leadership is a Profession

  Leadership is a Profession Leadership is a profession, and with the term "profession" comes standards, including a code of conduct, ethics, and values. Professionals such as doctors heal and cure, lawyers solve problems and win cases, and chartered accountants analyse and manage financial aspects. Similarly, a leader heals those who are demotivated, addresses performance issues, resolves workplace conflicts, wins people's hearts, engages in self-reflection, and controls the flow of communication. There is a saying that a professional is someone who plans their work and executes that plan. This applies to leaders in any business context as well. Professionals state what they will do and follow through on those commitments; likewise, leaders commit to their vision and deliver results. When leaders view leadership as a profession, they become true professionals who provide hope to those around them. M.L. Narendra Kumar          

Less than a minute lesson -2674 Hot hand fallacy

  Less than a minute lesson -2674 Hot hand fallacy Sometimes, we believe that someone who succeeds in a task or activity is more likely to succeed again in future attempts. This belief is called the "hot hand fallacy." Such a fallacy can lead to overconfidence in ourselves or the person we believe will succeed.   This overconfidence may result in inadequate preparation, ultimately leading to future failure. To overcome this fallacy, we should focus on continuous development and ensure we prepare more thoroughly than before. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD    

Less than a minute lesson -2673 Overcoming Temporal bias

  Less than a minute lesson -2673 Overcoming Temporal bias Sometimes, we judge people's pasts based on the present standards. This act is known as temporal bias. We may assume someone was good or bad according to today's values, even though we understand that the past and present can be disconnected in many aspects of life.   Despite this understanding, we still have biases that lead us to form positive or negative opinions about individuals. We should view the past and present as separate entities to overcome such biases. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD    

Less than a minute lesson -2672 Overcoming Framing effect

  Less than a minute lesson -2672 Overcoming Framing effect Sometimes, we present information in a way that influences perception or decision-making. This bias is known as the framing effect. It can manipulate others to favor our interests. Over time, such biases can negatively impact our character, leading others to perceive us as manipulators and to avoid us in the future. We must commit to being truthful to ourselves and others to overcome these biases. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD  

Less than a minute lesson -2671 Overcoming performance Biases

  Less than a minute lesson -2671 Overcoming performance Biases Sometimes, we believe certain performers are good while others are not, often without much analysis. This judgment, made without careful consideration, is known as performance bias. When evaluating performance, our conclusions should be based on thorough assessment rather than superficial judgment. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD

Less than a minute lesson -2670 Overcoming Ageism Biases

  Less than a minute lesson -2670 Overcoming Ageism Biases Sometimes, we tend to make judgments based on age. For example, we might overlook elderly individuals due to their advanced years, assuming their health may be a concern, or dismiss young people because of their lack of experience. These biases are known as ageism. We should focus on individuals' qualities rather than their age to overcome these biases. By engaging in conversations with them, we can better understand who they are instead of relying on judgments based solely on age. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD

Less than a minute lesson -2669 Overcoming beauty Biases

  Less than a minute lesson -2669 Overcoming beauty Biases Sometimes, we tend to favor attractive people and consider them more competent; this phenomenon is known as beauty bias. Such biases can negatively impact those who are less attractive, leading others to overlook their competence.   To overcome these biases, we should clearly define competence and frame the questions that need to be answered. This will allow us to prioritize competence over attractiveness. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD  

Defining Happiness

  Defining Happiness Before seeking happiness, we should first define what happiness means to us. Without a clear understanding of our definition of happiness, we cannot correctly channel our energies toward achieving it. If we don’t take this step, we may always feel like something is lacking in our lives. Many people can advise us on how to lead a fulfilling life, but ultimately, we must decide what happiness means. When someone else has accomplished something significant, we may be tempted to aspire to the same achievements. However, we must pause and ask ourselves if that aligns with our definition of happiness. The more we understand ourselves, the less we must compare ourselves to others. Correctly understanding ourselves helps us define our lives and discover what happiness truly means. Instead of trading off our happiness for external validation, let’s focus on how we can cultivate it from within. M.L. Narendra Kumar        

Leadership is a Science.

  Leadership is a Science. Leadership can be viewed as a science, like other scientific disciplines involving research, experimentation, and understanding life. It focuses on studying human behaviour, experimenting with motivation, and comprehending human emotions. Science relies on continuous study, seeks to improve living conditions, and challenges outdated theories through rational thinking. Likewise, leadership requires examining human needs to ensure people remain inspired. Leadership involves enhancing the quality of individuals and is open to criticism, which allows for evaluating a leader's approach. As leaders, it is essential to engage in constant self-development, which should ultimately lead to the development of those around us. M.L. Narendra Kumar              

Leadership is an Art

  Leadership is an Art Leadership is an art form that requires regular practice, much like any other art. It involves active listening, and being an effective listener is a skill that must be honed. Without practising listening skills, we cannot connect with people; without those connections, we cannot lead effectively. Additionally, leadership requires strong communication skills. Being an effective communicator is also an art, requiring significant practice to influence others. Without the ability to influence, we cannot gain the commitment of others to work towards a shared vision that is beneficial for all. The leader is an artist whose life is an art school, where the leader remains an eternal student. M.L. Narendra Kumar    

Staying Relevant

  Staying Relevant There is a saying by Marshall Goldsmith: "What Got You Here Won't Get You There." This idea applies not only to organisations but also to individuals. Our achievements are a result of our past efforts, but the demands of tomorrow will be much greater than today's. People will expect more from us, and as we gain experience, we must recognise that we cannot continue doing the same things we did yesterday and expect different results in the future. We need to unlearn, learn, and relearn to adapt to what lies ahead. Let us continuously ask ourselves what we can do to improve and remain relevant in the future. M.L. Narendra Kumar  

A new day and a fresh perspective

  A new day and a fresh perspective Not every day in life is marked by accomplishment; some days can be problematic or unproductive. Such days can lead to frustration and make us feel low about ourselves. You can reflect on similar days in your life. The challenge lies in overcoming these feelings and quickly restarting the next day with renewed energy. We have a choice: dwell on what went wrong or how we could have avoided it. Instead of focusing on those thoughts, we can accept that it's okay to experience challenging days. This acceptance prepares us to face such days in the future and encourages us to think differently. It ensures that we wake up with fresh energy, ready to embrace the day as a new opportunity—either a chance for accomplishment or a lesson that teaches us valuable insights. Those who see the positive side of problems prepare to face them and learn how to solve them. M.L.Narendra Kumar    

Bringing the Best

  Bringing the Best A boss expects the best from subordinates without understanding their strengths and weaknesses. In contrast, a leader not only expects the best but also invests efforts to help subordinates utilize their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. Leadership involves cultivating other leaders, and effective leaders know how to bring out the best in their team members. As a leader, take the time to analyze your subordinates based on your interactions with them. Encourage your subordinates to conduct a self-analysis and seek feedback from other stakeholders who work with them. This approach will give you a comprehensive understanding of each subordinate and help you focus on the key areas that need development. M.L. Narendra Kumar

Owner to Leader- A Journey

  Owner to Leader- A Journey As an entrepreneur, you are considered an owner if you run a business. When you take responsibility for your team, you become a leader. Entrepreneurship is not a cakewalk but a trek filled with challenges, adventures, fun, and even some pain. This journey cannot be completed without people. You are the guide who knows the journey's destination, route, and nuances. Some people thrive on challenges, while others may shy away from them. Some enjoy adventure, while others might feel fear. It’s important to remember that fun is something many people cherish. When you prioritise the safety and happiness of your team, you will lead them with a sense of pride. M.L. Narendra Kumar

Failure is an important event.

  Failure is an important event. The importance given to success is very high; as a society, there is undue pressure on children and adults to succeed. The way success is projected is failure should never exist in people's lives. Children are burdened with extra classes; employees are burdened with impractical targets and deadlines. People are not in love with success; they are sedated with it. However, the truth is that failures are the reason people succeed. The Wright brothers were not right at their first attempt; they did fail according to their worldview, but it was a chance to perfect what they wanted to achieve. It is better to teach children the positive side of failure so that they think outside the box; employees should fail so that they can generate better solutions. If success deserves a banquet hall celebration, failure also requires one because the lessons learnt from failure will pave the way for a future celebration at a better hotel with a widespread buffet....

Who is Better Than Whom?

  Who is Better Than Whom? Society is often dazzled by comparisons, social pressures, and the constant drive to enhance our standard of living. Such behaviors place undue stress on us and others, leading many to borrow and spend beyond their means. Recently, loans have become integral to our lives, shifting from being viewed as emergency funds to burdensome necessities. Some individuals start living their lives to prove they are better than others, overspending and ultimately finding themselves trapped in debt—a significant source of stress. We need to pause and ask: Is life a competition? Is a high standard of living the benchmark for a good life? Is spending an accurate indicator of wealth? Is it worth it to constantly try to prove ourselves? Even though we know the answer is no, we often continue this behavior and blame it on external factors, saying things like, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." However, when we analyze the consequences of our social behavior, we...

Less than a minute lesson -2668 Overcoming Affinity biases

  Less than a minute lesson -2668 Overcoming Affinity biases Sometimes, we prefer similar individuals regarding background, ethnicity, gender, interests, and beliefs. As a result, our decisions may favour such individuals, known as affinity bias. This bias can adversely impact others and lead to a lack of diversity and inclusiveness. We should focus on the bigger picture and prioritise the overall objective rather than our personal preferences for specific individuals to overcome these biases. M.L. Narendra Kumar Director Instivate Learning Solutions PVT LTD